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ORIGINAL PATTERN ARMY MEDAL OF HONOR 

FULL SIZE 



The Medal of Honor Legion 

of the 

United States of America 

A Military and Naval Society 

Instituted at Washington, D. C, April 23rd, 1900 



Constitution and By-Laws 

adopted at the 

Fourteenth Annual Convention 

at Atlantic City, N. J., September 21st, 1904 
to which is added 

The Laws and other Information 

relating to the 

Medal of Honor of the United States 



Philadelphia 1904 



Compliments oi 

N. D. PRF^TON, 

Q.M^MedaI Of Honor Legion, 
2312 .-^oplar Street, 



Atlantic City, N. J., September 21, 1904. 
To the Legion, Assembled at the Fourteenth Annual Reunion: 

Pursuant to a resolution passed by the Legion at Gettysburg, 
Pa., October 13, 1903, the undersigned were constituted a Com- 
mittee on By-Laws, and respectfully report that, after due con- 
sideration, and review by the Judge Advocate of the Legion, we 
have agreed upon the accompanying Constitution and By-Laws 
and recommend their adoption. 

O. O. HOWARD, Commander. 
T. S. PECK, Adjutant. 
N. D. PRESTON, Quartermaster. 
GEO. W. BRUSH, Chairman Ex. Com. 
Committee on Constitution and By-Laws. 

Extract from report of proceedings: 

The report of the Committee on a new Constitution and By-Laws was 
offered by Companion Brush. The Constitution and By-Laws was read 
article by article and corrections and additions made by the Legion 
during the reading. It was then moved by Companion Levy that the 
report of the committee be accepted and the Constitution and By-Laws 
adopted. The motion was seconded and adopted. 






Constitution 



PREAMBLE. 

We, who have been and are now serving as officers, enlisted 
men, petty officers, seamen, landsmen and marines of the Regu- 
lar and Volunteer Army, Navy and Marine Corps of the United 
States of America, and have received the Congressional Medal 
of Honor, associate ourselves together to form a permanent 
association governed by the following Constitution and By-laws: 

ARTICLE L 
Name. 

This association shall be known as the Medal of Honor Le- 
gion of the United States of America. 

ARTICLE II. 
Principles and Objects. 

The principles underlying the Legion are patriotic allegiance 
to the United States of America, fidelity to its Constitution and 
laws, the security of civil liberty, and the permanence of free 
institutions. 

The objects of the Legion are to cherish the memories of the 
valiant deeds in arms for which the Medal of Honor is the in- 
signia; to promote true fellowship among its Companions; to 
advance the best interests of the soldiers and sailors of the 
United States of America; to extend all possible relief to its 
needy Companions, their widows and children; and to stimulate 
patriotism in the minds of our youth by encouraging the study 
of the patriotic, military and naval history of our nation. 

ARTICLE III. 
Membership. 

The membership of the Legion shall consist of Companions 
of four classes, viz.: 

I. ORIGINAL COMPANIONS OF THE FIRST CLASS: 
All persons of good moral character who are, have been, or 
may become commissioned officers or enlisted men of the Regu- 
lar or Volunteer Army of the United States of America to whom 
Medals of Honor have been or may be awarded by the Presi- 
dent in the name of Congress in accordance with a resolution 
of Congress approved July 12, 1862, and with Section 6 of an 
Act of Congress approved March 3, 1863, and an Act of Con- 



gress approved April 23, 1904, or any subsequent act or amend- 
ment of Congress; all persons who are, have been, or may be- 
come commissioned officers, petty officers, seamen, landsmen 
and marines of the United States Navy to whom Medals of 
Honor have been or may be awarded by the President in the 
name of Congress in accordance with Section 7 of an Act of 
Congress approved December 21. 1861, and Section 11 of an 
Act of Congress approved July 16, 1862, and an Act of Con- 
gress approved March 3, 1901, or any subsequent act or amend- 
ment of Congress, as, both in Army and Navy, having most dis- 
tinguished themselves by gallantry in battle or heroism of a 
specially distinguished nature. 

II. COMPANIONS OF THE FIRST CLASS IN SUC- 
CESSION: 

All companions who have been advanced from the Second 
Class upon the decease of their ancestors. 

III. COMPANIONS OF THE FIRST CLASS BY IN- 
HERITANCE: 

Any person of good moral character who has inherited a 
Medal of Honor, awarded under the aforesaid Acts of Congress, 
is the lawful possessor of the Medal and a legal descendant of 
the original holder thereof. 

IV. COMPANIONS OF THE SECOND CLASS: 

A son or a daughter, or next of kin by consanguinity, or by 
legal adoption of a Companion of the First Class, who may be 
nominated by such Companion of the First Class as his successor 
and holder of his Medal of Honor. 

Companions of the Second Class upon arriving at the age of 
twenty-one years shall be entitled to participate and vote in all 
meetings of the Legion except that such Companions of the 
Second Class shall not be entitled to vote for the admission of 
applicants for admission to First Class membership. Upon the 
decease of a Companion of the First Class his aforesaid succes- 
sor shall, from the date of such death, become a Companion of 
the First Class in succession, and be so announced in orders 
to the Legion without issuance of any additional certificate. 

ARTICLE IV. 
Election of Companions. 

Applicants for membership in the Legion are elected Com- 
panions by a majority vote of the Executive Committee, with 
the approval of the Commander. Every application for mem- 
bership shall be in writing, signed by the applicant, whose pos- 
session of a Medal of Honor, or to whom a Medal has been 
issued and whose good moral character shall be certified to by 
a Companion of the Legion, or officer or ex-officer of the Army 
or Navy, or by a notary public, justice of the peace or civil 
magistrate. The application shall contain the applicant's full 



name, residence, age, nativity and occupation; if for original 
First Class Membership a brief record ot his military or naval 
services and the time and place of the service or incident for 
which a Medal of Honor was awarded. 

Applicants for admission to First Class membership by in- 
heritance of the Medal of Honor, and to Second Class member- 
ship, must furnish in brief the military record of the ancestor 
to whom the Medal was originally awarded; state whether he 
has since deceased, together with the line of descent to the ap- 
plicant. 

All applications shall be accompanied by the membership fee 
of two dollars; the cost of the certificate, one dollar; and dues 
for the current year, one dollar; a total of four dollars. This 
money shall be refunded to the applicant in case his application 
is rejected. 

Applications shall be addressed to the Commander, who shall 
refer the same to the Adjutant for record. The Adjutant shall 
mail the same to the Quartermaster, who shall verify the mili- 
tary service record in the application, so endorse, and forward 
it to the Chairman of the Executive Committee. After action 
by the committee, the Chairman shall return the application to 
the Commander with its report endorsed thereon. If favorable 
and the Commander endorses his approval on the application, he 
shall forward the approved application to the Quartermaster 
for file and shall issue a certificate of membership to the appli- 
cant, signed by himself and the Adjutant, with the seal of the 
Legion attached, and cause a copy of this Constitution and By- 
laws to be mailed to the Companion, and his name shall then 
be enrolled on the roster. The date on which the Commander 
approves the application shall be the date of the applicant's ad- 
mission to membership in the Legion. 

Should the report of the Executive Committee be adverse to 
the admission of the applicant, or if the Commander disapproves, 
the application shall be returned by the Commander to the appli- 
cant, who shall have the right to appeal to the Legion at any 
regular meeting, by addressing a communication containing the 
reasons for his appeal to the Adjutant, who shall lay the matter 
before the Legion for its action. 

ARTICLE V. 
Resignations, Dismissals and Forfeitures of Membership). 

Section i. A Companion may resign by tendering his resig- 
nation in writing, but no resignation shall be accepted until all 
dues to the Legion shall have been paid to the Quartermaster. 

Sec. 2. A Companion may be impeached and dishonorably 
discharged from this Legion upon charges involving conduct 
unbecoming a gentleman and inconsistent with that of a man 
of honor and the honor of the Legion. In all cases containing 



such charges the accused shall be heard in his own defense and 
have an opportunity to exculpate himself by his own testimony 
and that of others, in writing; and all charges and the evidence 
shall be made and submitted to the Executive Committee, who 
shall report thereon to the Commander. The accused upon be- 
ing informed of the report and the action of the Commander 
thereon, shall have the right of appeal to the Legion for final 
action; but any Companion convicted of a felony shall, ipso 
faclo , forfeit his membership in this Legion. 

ARTICLE VL 
Death of Members. 

The Commander of the Legion shall be immediately notified, 
in order that he may take proper action, of the serious illness 
or the death of any Companion. It is made the duty of all Com- 
panions not unavoidably prevented by distance or necessity, to 
attend the funeral services, see that the coffin is draped with the 
United States flag, and that the pall be supported, whenever 
possible, by Companions of the Legion or former comrades in 
arms. 

ARTICLE VII. 
Officers. 

ELECTION AND DUTIES. 

The officers of the Legion shall consist of a Commander, a 
Senior and Junior V'ice Commander, and a Chaplain, elected at 
each annual reunion by ballot and a majority vote of those 
present. Nomination of officers shall be made without com- 
ment, eulogy or debate. 

The Commander shall appoint within forty-five days after his 
election to office an Adjutant, Judge Advocate, Quartermaster, 
Inspector, Surgeon, Historian, six Aides-de-Camp and an Ex- 
ecutive Committee of four Companions of the First Class and 
one Companion of the Second Class, who, together with the 
Senior and Junior Vice Commanders, shall constitute the said 
committee. Three members thereof shall constitute a quorum. 
Officers may be re-elected or appointed to succeed themselves. 

DUTIES OF THE COMMANDER, SENIOR AND JUNIOR VICE 
COMMANDER. 

The Commander shall preside at all meetings, issue all orders 
and circulars, fill all vacancies in office for the balance of the 
year, and perform all other duties as herein provided. In case 
of his absence from meetings, death or inability to perform the 
requisite duties, the Senior Vice Commander shall act in his 
stead, and in case the latter is unable to act, the Junior Vice 
Commander shall preside, perform the Commander's duty and 
make necessary appointments. Should none of the officers 
named be present at any meeting, the Legion, on being called 



to order by the Adjutant; or, in his absence, the Quartermaster 
or a Companion shall elect a temporary presiding officer. 

The Commander shall, from time to time, keep the Com- 
panions informed of whatever may be to their interest, advising 
them of all deaths, resignations, dismissals of Companions, or 
any legislation affecting their material welfare, and suggest such 
action for their guidance as to him shall seem best. 

CHAPLAIN. 
The Chaplain shall offer prayer after the opening of all meet- 
ings of the Legion and perform all other duties customary to 
his office. 

ADJUTANT'S DUTIES. 

The Adjutant shall have charge of all correspondence, keep 
a roster of membership, and shall prepare and mail to the Com- 
panions all orders issued by the Commander, and shall keep 
the minutes of all meetings. He shall notify Companions of 
their advancement from Second to First Class membership. At 
the close of his term he shall have the minutes, reports of offi- 
cers, newspaper clippings, and other matters concerning the 
Legion, received during each year, bound in a book, and shall 
turn the same over to his successor as the property of the 
Legion. 

QUARTERMASTER'S DUTIES. 

The Quartermaster shall collect all dues of Companions, mail 
a receipt to each thereof, and keep an accurate record of all 
moneys paid to him on account of the Legion. His books and 
accounts shall be open to inspection at all times by any Com- 
panion, and he shall render at the regular meeting of the Le- 
gion, an accounting of all moneys received and disbursed by 
him during the year past, such accounting to be audited by an 
Auditing Committee of three Companions to be appointed at 
such annual reunion by the Commander. Such Auditing Com- 
mittee shall report to the Legion before its adjournment as to 
the condition of the Quartermaster's accounts, and the Legion 
shall then take final action upon the report of the Quarter- 
master. He shall have charge of all transportation and sign all 
vouchers necessary thereto. For this faithful performance of 
the duties of the office, the Quartermaster shall receive one 
hundred and twenty-five dollars per annum. He shall be re- 
quired to give an indemnity bond to secure the Medal of Honor 
Legion in the sum of one thousand dollars, subject to increase 
at any time on notice from the Executive Committee approved 
by the Commander. The premium on such bond shall be paid 
by the Legion. 

The Quartermaster shall have the care and custodv of all 
fiags. banners and devices belonging to the Legion; and he 



shall keep for sale to Companions, at cost prices, ribbons, bow- 
knots or rosettes and insignia of every kind prescribed for the 
Legion. 

JUDGE ADVOCATE. 

The Judge Advocate shall examine and report to the Com- 
mander on all legal questions appertaining to the Legion that 
may be referred to him by the Commander or Executive Com- 
mittee. 

INSPECTOR, SURGEON AND HISTORIAN. 

The Inspector, Surgeon and Historian shall perform such 
duties as pertain to their respective offices. 

AIDES-DE-CAMP. 

Aides-de-Camp shall attend the Commander on occasions of 
ceremony and render him all possible assistance when called 
upon. 

THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 

The Executive Committee shall, as hereinbefore provided, 
pass upon all applications for membership, report on charges 
against Companions and transmit the same to the Commander 
with its approval or disapproval. All differences among Com- 
panions and all matters not delegated to the officers herein 
named shall be referred to the Executive Committee, but no 
action by it shall become final until approved by the Comman- 
der. It shall have power, with the approval of the Commander, 
to act on all resignations and forfeitures; to suspend or expel 
a Companion for conduct unbecoming a gentleman, provided no 
appeal to the Legion is taken, or for non-payment of dues; and 
it may remit the dues of worthy, but needy. Companions. 

ARTICLE VIII. 
Fees, Dues, Funds and Arrears. 

Section i. The membership fees shall be two dollars, and a 

certificate of membership one dollar, and the annual dues one 

dollar. The annual dues shall be payable in advance. 

Sec. 2. The funds of this Legion shall be divided as follows; 

First. Current Expense Fund, consisting of membership 

fees and annual dues. 

Second. Relief Fund, which may hereafter be created by 
donation or devise. 

Third. General Fund, created from any other source. 
Sec. 3. The Current Expense Fund will be kept in the hands 
of the Quartermaster and expended with the approval of the 
Commander upon vouchers certified to be correct, just, proper 
and necessary for the good of the Legion, and in the conduct 
of its business. 



Sec. 4. The Relief and General Funds shall be kept separate- 
ly in the custody of the Quartermaster, as trustee, whose bonds 
shall be increased to secure the Legion to the full amount in 
his hands, and the Quartermaster will see that such funds are 
properly and securely invested and expended in such manner as 
the Legion at its annual reunions may appropriate and direct. 

Sec. 5. The name of any Companion in arrears for one year 
shall be sent to the Executive Committee by the Quartermas- 
ter, and the Chairman of this Committee shall notify the Com- 
panion that if all arrears are not paid by the next regular re- 
union said Companion will then be dismissed for non-payment 
of dues, and all such names shall be reported by the Executive 
Committee to the Legion. 

ARTICLE IX. 
Meetings and Quorum. 

Section i. The Legion shall hold an annual or regular re- 
union at such time and place as the Commander shall designate 
by, and with the approval of the Executive Committee. All re- 
unions and meetings shall be publicly conducted; Provided, that 
an executive session may be held whenever private discussion 
is judged expedient and necessary by a one-third vote of the 
Companions present at any meeting. 

The Commander may, upon two weeks' notice to all Com- 
panions, and with the consent of the Executive Committee, 
call a meeting of the Legion when necessary. 

Sec. 2. Twentv Companions of the Legion shall constitute 
a quorum at anv meeting for the transaction of business. 

ARTICLE X. 
Uniform of the Order and Wearing of the Medal. 

On occasions of ceremony the Companions shall wear cloth- 
ing of a dark color. 

The bow knot or rosette prescribed by law shall be the only 
emblem of recognition habitually worn by original Companions 
of the First Class, except on occasions of ceremony and at pub- 
lic meetings of more than two Companions, at which time the 
Medal shall be worn either on the left breast of the coat or at- 
tached to a ribbon of the width and color prescribed by the War 
Department, suspended around the neck. 

Companions of the First Class in succession or Inheritance 
shall wear a button or rosette of special design and may wear 
the Medal provided the word "Inheritance," inscribed on a metal 
bar, is fastened in plain sight across the ribbon from wliich the 
Medal is suspended. The Executive Committee, with the ap- 
proval of the Commander, shall prescribe the design for such 
metal bar and rosette or ribbon, which may be purchased of 
the Quartermaster. 



The Second Class Medal and recognition pin or button shall 
be worn by Companions of the Second Class in the same man- 
ner prescribed for the Companions of the First Class. 

ARTICLE XI. 
Discussion. 

Political and religious discussions are foreign to the aims and 
purposes of the Legion, as set forth in this Constitution, and 
are prohibited at any of its meetings. 

ARTICLE XII. 
Amendments. 

Alterations, additions or amendments to this Constitution 
shall be first sent to the Commander, in writing, and by him sub- 
mitted to the Executive Committee, and such as are approved 
by said committee shall be submitted to the Legion at the next 
regular reunion for its action; a two-thirds vote of the Com- 
panions present shall be necessary for its adoption. 



10 



By-Laws 



ARTICLE I. ■ 
Order of Business. 

At the meetings of the Legion business shall be conducted in 
the following order: 

1. At the appointed time the presiding officer shall call the 
Legion to order. 

2. Prayer by the Chaplain. 

3. The Adjutant will call the roll of officers and obtain the 
names of all Companions present. 

4. The minutes of the last reunion and of all subsequent meet- 
ings will be read and acted upon. 

5. The stated business of the Legion, if any. will be consid- 
ered. 

6. Reports of officers. 

7. Unfinished business. 

8. New business. 

9. Election of officers. 
10. Adjournment. 

This order of business may be suspended by a two-thirds vote 
of the Companions present, taken without debate. 

ARTICLE II. 
Resolutions in Writing. 

All resolutions to be acted upon by the Legion at any meet- 
ing shall be first submitted in writing at such meeting, read by 
the Adjutant and seconded by a Companion. 

ARTICLE III. 
Eligibility to Office. 

No Companion shall be eligible to an elective office, or his 
name considered for the same, unless he be present at the an- 
nual reunion at which the election occurs: and has paid all dues 
to the Legion prior to said reunion. 

ARTICLE IV. 
Debate. 

No Companion of the Legion shall speak more than once on 
any subject or question of business, and no longer than five 
minutes without the consent of the majority of the Companions 
present. 

ARTICLE V. 
Parliamentary Rules. 

The ordinary parliamentary usages shall govern the transac- 
tions of the reunions and all other meetings of the Legion. 



ARTICLE VI. 

Certificate of Membership. 

The form of the certificate of membership for original First 
Class members shall be numbered consecutively and also bear 
the number of the application of the Companion, and shall read 
as follows: 

No Consecutive No 

In the name and by the authority of the Medal of Honor Le- 
gion of the United States of America, to all to whom these pres- 
ents shall come, greeting. 

Know ye that , having been 

awarded a United States Congressional Medal of Honor for dis- 
tinguished gallantry in action in accordance with the Acts of 
Congress, and having rendered faithful services in maintaining 
the honor, integrity and supremacy of the United States of 
America, was received as an original Companion of the First 
Class of the Medal of Honor Legion of the LTnited States of 

America on the day of , Anno Domini 

nineteen hundred and 

In testimony whereof the names of the Commander and Ad- 
jutant and the seal of the order are hereunto affixed. 

Given at this day of 

in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred 

and 



(Seal.) 



Commander. 
Adjutant. 



The form of the certificate of membership for Companions of 
the First Class by Inheritance shall read as follows: 
No Consecutive No 

In the name and by the authority of the Medal of Honor Le- 
gion of the United States of America, to all to whom these 
presents shall come, greeting. 

Know ye that having been 

awarded a United States Congressional Medal of Honor for dis- 
tinguished gallantry in action in accordance with the Acts of 
Congress, and having rendered faithful services in maintaining 
the honor, integrity and supremacy of the Lmited States of 
America, was received as a Companion of the First Class 
of the Medal of Honor Legion of the United States of Amer- 
ica, his was received as a Com- 
panion of the First Class by Inheritance of the Medal of Honor 



Legion of the United States of America on the day 

of Anno Domini nineteen hundred and 



In testimony whereof the names of the Commander and Ad- 
jutant and the seal of the order are hereunto affixed. 

Given at , this day of 

in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred 

and 



(Seal.) 



Commander. 
Adjutant. 



The form of the certificate of membership for Companions of 
the Second Class shall read as follows. 

No Consecutive No 

In the name and by the authority of the Medal of Honor Le- 
gion of the United States of America, to all to whom these 
presents shall come, greeting. 

Know ye that having been 

awarded a United States Congressional Medal of Honor for dis- 
tinguished gallantry in action in accordance with the Acts of 
Congress, and having rendered faithful services in maintaining 
the honor, integrity and supremacy of the United States of 

America, his was received, by right of 

succession, as a Companion of the Second Class of the Medal of 

Honor Legion of the United States of America on the 

day of , Anno Domini nineteen hundred and 



In testimony whereof the names of the Commander and Ad- 
jutant and the seal of the order are hereunto affixed. 

Given at this day of 

in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred 

and 



(Seal.) 



Commander. 
Adjutant. 



ARTICLE VII. 
Amendments. 

Alterations, additions and amendments to these by-laws may 
be made, in writing only, at any reunion or regularly called 
meeting of the Legion by a two-thirds vote of the Companions 
present. 



n 



Laws and General Information 



The late Brevet Major General E. D. Townsend, Adjutant 
General U. S. A., in alluding to the issuing of Medals of Honor 
by the government for distinguished acts of bravery, and men- 
tioning the advantages to the government and the appreciation 
of the Medal by recipients, says: 

'•Impressed with these ideas, I, early in 1861, urged their adoption 
upon General Scott and upon the Chairman of the Senate Military 
Committee, the Secretary of War, and others in influence. * * * 

"Nothing was done in that direction, however, until the 12th of July, 
1862, when Congress passed a resolution to award Medals of Honor to 
enlisted men, which, by the Act of March 3, 1863, was extended to 
officers also." 

General Townsend says the matter was presented to the no- 
tice of the Secretary of War, and of Congress, in his Annual 
Report of October 31, 1864. 

The first law passed, however, on the subject was the follow- 
ing, creating a Medal of Honor for the Navy: 

MEDALS OF HONOR FOR THE NAVY. 

Sec. 7. (Act approved December 21, 1861.) And be it further enacted. 
That the Secretary of the Navy be, and he is hereby, authorized to 
cause two hundred Medals of Honor to be prepared, with suitable em- 
blematic devices, which shall be bestowed upon such petty officers, sea- 
men, landsmen and marines as shall most distinguish themselves by 
their gallantry in action and other seamanlike qualities during the pres- 
ent war, and that the sum of one thousand dollars be, and the same is 
hereby, appropriated out of any money in the Treasury for the purpose 
of carrying this section into effect. 

Sec. 11. (Act approved July 16, 1862.) Provided, That seamen dis- 
tinguishing themselves in battle, or by exti-aordinary heroism in the 
line of their profession, may be promoted to forward warrant officers or 
acting master's mates, as they may be best qualified, upon the recom- 
mendation of their commanding officer, approved by the flag officer and 
the Department. Upon such promotion they shall receive a gratuit:^' of 
(me hundred dollars and a Medal of Honor to be prepared by the Navy 
Department. 

This was followed, as stated by General Townsend, by the fol- 
lowing enactments by the Congress of the United States: 

"A Resolution to provide for the presentation of 'Medals of Honor' to 
the enlisted men of the Army and volunteer forces who have distin- 
guished or may distinguish themselves in battle during the present 
rebellion. 

"Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United 
States of America in Congress assembled, That the President of the 
United States be, and he is hereby, authorized to cause two thousand 
'Medals of Honor' to be prepared with suitable emblematic devices, 
and to direct that the same be presented in the name of Congress to 
such noncommissioned officers and privates as shall most distinguish 



IvS 



themselves by their gallantry in action and other soldier-like qualities 
during the present insurrection; and that the sum of ten thousand dol- 
lars be. and the same is hereby, appropriated, out of any money in the 
Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for the puiiJose of carrying this 
resolution into effect. 

"Approved, July 12, 1862. [12 Stat. L., 623.]" 

"An Act making appropriations for sundry civil expenses of the gov- 
ernment for the year ending June thirtieth, eighteen hundred and sixty- 
four, and for llie year ending the tliirtieth of June, eighteen hundred 
and sixty-three, and for other purposes. 

* ♦ ♦ ♦ Oc 

Sec. (). And be it further enacted, That the President cause to be 
struck from the dies recently prepared at the United States Mint for 
that purpose 'Medals of Honor' additional to those authorized by the 
act [resolution] of July tv^^elfth, eighteen hundred and sixty-two, and 
present the same to such officers, noncommissioned officei'S. and pri- 
vates as have most distinguished or who may hereafter most distinguish 
themselves in action; and the sum of twenty thousand dollars is hereby 
appropriated out of an^^ money in the Treasui-y not otherwise appro- 
priated, to defray the expenses of the same. 

* * ♦ * * 

"Approved, Marcli 8, 1863. [12 Stat. L., 751.]" 

Extract from Annual Reports of War Dei^artment for the 
fiscal year ending Jttne 30, 1901. (RejDort of the Chief of the 
Record and Pension Office.): 



The first Congressional Medals of Honor were issued by Secretary 
Stanton March 25, 1863, to six of the twenty-two men who. by direction 
of General Mitchell (or Genex-al Buell), penetrated the enemy's territory 
and captured a railroad train in an attempt to destroy the Confederate 
lines of communication. Medals of Honor were, however, subsequently 
granted in several cases in which the dates of the specific acts for which 
they were bestowed were earlier than the event here referred to. The 
date of the first act for which a Medal was granted was P^ebruary 13-14, 
1861, the recipient, B. J. D. Irwin, having been at that time an assist- 
ant surgeon of the Regiilar Army who "voluntarily took command of 
troops and attacked and defeated hostile Indians he met on the way."* 

While tlie Civil War Avas still in progress and up to the close of the 
year 1866, about 1300 Medals were issued, chiefly to enlisted men of 
the volunteer service. During this early period no careful record was 
kept of the investigation of individual cases, and it is difficult to ascer- 
tain what proofs were required of candidates in support of their claims, 
but it is evident that the subject did not receive the consideration it 
deserved, for it is shown by such records as were preserved that in 
many cases awards were made without regard to the limitation of the 
Act of March 3. 1863. that the Medal should be bestowed only upon 
officers and enlisted men and only as a reward for unusual gallantry in 
action, and even without regard to the "other soldier-like qualities" for 
which awards were permitted by the joint resolution of July 12, 1862. 
As evidence of this, it may be stated that INIedals of Honor were issued 
to civilian scouts, guides, and others (including Dr. ;Mary Walker, 
formerly a contract surgeon), who were not officers or enlisted men in 
the military service in the United States, and who consequently were 
not lawfully entitled to receive the Medal either under the Act of 1863 
or the joint resolution of 1862. Such unauthorized issues continued, 
however, up to the year 1875. In the year 1865 twenty-nine Medals 
were bestowed upon officers and non-commissioned officers as a reward 

*The award of this Medal was January 24. 18114. 



i6 



for services performed in escorting the remains of President Lincoln 
from AVasliington to Springfield, 111. In the same year 864 Medals 
were awarded to officers and men of the Twenty-seventh Maine In- 
fantry "for volunteering to remain in service and participate in the bat- 
tle of (Gettysburg, their terms of service having expired," while it is 
shown that only about 300 of the 864 officers and enlisted men of the 
regiment volunteered 1o remain, and did remain on Arlington Heights 
in the defenses of the Potomac, until the result of the battle of Gettys- 
burg was made known. The official records show that it was intended 
to issue a Medal of Honor only to those who volunteered to remain and 
did remain in service beyond the expiration of their terms, but, evi- 
dently through inadvertence, the Medal was issued to about 5(X) other 
members of the regiment who did not volunteer to remain in the service 
and who were sent home before the battle was fought. The records do 
not show either the names of those who volunteered to remain or of 
those who did not so volunteer. 

For some years aftei- the close of the Civil War the awards were very 
largely to officers and enlisted men of the Regular Army, for gallantry 
in engagements with hostile Indians; but from about the year 1890, 
when the association known as the "INIedal of Honor Legion" was form- 
ed, there Mas a marked increase in the number of applications in behalf 
of former members of the disbanded volunteer forces. For several 
years these were carefully considered by the Secretary or the Assistant 
Secretary of War, upon their presentation by the Chief of the Record 
and Pension Office, but no authoritative rules for the guidance of the 
Department in dealing with this class of cases were formulated until 
January 26, 1897, when, by direction of the President, a systematic plan 
of administration was incoriwrated into the Army Regulations. The 
order publishing the new miles, in so far as they apply to the volunteer 
forces, is as foUoAvs: 

War Department, 

"V^'ashington, June 26, 1897. 
By direction of the President the following regulations are promulgat- 
ed respecting the award of Medals of Honor, and paragraph 177 of the 
Regulations is aniended to read as follows: 

177. ^ledals of Honor authorized by the Act of Congress approved 
March ,3, 1863, are awarded to officers and enlisted men, in the name 
of the Congress, for particular deeds of most distinguished gallantry in 
action. 

1. In order that the Congressional Medal of Honor may be deserved, 
service nmst have been performed in action of such a conspicuous char- 
acter as to clearly distinguish the man for gallantry and inti'epidity 
above his comrades— service that involved extreme jeopardy of life or 
the performance of extraordinarily hazardous duty. Recommendations 
for the decoration Avill be judged by this standard of extraordinary 
merit, and incontestable proof of performance of the service will be 
exacted. 

2. Soldiers of the Union have ever displayed bravery in battle, else 
victories could not have been gainetl; but as courage and self-sacrifice 
are the characteristics of every true soldier, such a badgf" of distinction 
as the Congressional Medal is not to be expected as the reward of con- 
duct that does not clearly distinguish the soldier above other men whose 
bravery and gallantry have been proved in battle. 

3. Recommendations for Mixta Is on account of services rendered in 
the Volunteer Army during the late war * * * will, if practicable, 
be submittefl by some person other than the proposed recipient, one 
who is personally familiar with all the facts and circumstances claimed 
as justifying the award; but the application may be made by the one 
claiming to have earned the decoration, in which case it will be in the 
form of a deposition, reciting a narrative description of the distinguish- 
ed service performed. If offlcial records are relied on as evidence prov- 
ing the personal service, the reports of the action must be submitted 



I? 



or cited; but if these records are lacking, the testimony must embrace 
that of one or more eyewitnesses, wlio, under oath, describe specitically 
the act or acts they saw wherein the person recommended or applying 
clearly distinguished himself above his fellows for most distinguished 
gallantry in action. 

* * if * * 

R. A. AI.GER. Secretary of War. 



MEDAL OF HONOR RIBBON AND BOW-KNOT. 

By a joint resolution of Congress approved Alay 2, 1896, the 
Secretary of War was authorized to issue to any person to whom 
a Medal of Honor had been or might thereafter be awarded un- 
der the provisions of the joint resolution of July 12, 1862, and 
the Act of March 3, 1863, a rosette or knot to be worn in lieu of 
the Medal, and a ribbon to be worn with the Medal, each to be 
of a pattern to be prescribed and established by the President. 

On the loth of November, 1896, the Secretary of War de- 
scribed in orders the pattern of the ribbon and knot as deter- 
mined by the President; on February 18, 1897, he issued regula- 
tions for the distribution of the decorations, the distribution to 
former members of the Volunteer Army to whom Medals of 
Honor had been awarded to be made by the Chief of the Record 
and Pension Office. These regulations require that the appli- 
cant shall be identified by the sworn testimony of at least two 
reputable persons, who have had a personal acquaintance with 
him for a period of not less than five years. 

The contract for furnishing the ribbons and knots provided 
for by the joint resolution of May 2, 1896, was given to Messrs. 
Tififany & Co., of New York, who were authorized by the Sec- 
retary of War to sell them to persons entitled to wear them, 
under conditions indicated in a letter, of which the following is 
an extract: 



War Department, Office of the Secretary, 

Washington. February 18, 1897. 

Messrs. Tiffany & Co.. New York. N. Y. 

Gentlemen: Referring to your letter of the 5th instant, relative to the 
ribbon for the Medal of Honor and the bow-knot to be Avorn in lieu of 
the Medal. I have the honor to advise you as follows in reply to your 

several inquiries: 



It is suggested that the sale of both the ribbon and the bow-knot 
should be rigidly restricted to those who present evidence of their right 
to wear thenij such evidence to be either the exhibition of the Medal 
itself, of a certificate of membership in the ^lednl of Honor Legion, or 
of an official statement from this Department that a Medal has been 
awarded. The Medal of Honor Legion may desire to make special ar- 



18 



range)iients with you for sui)i)l.ying its uieinbers with the ribbon and 
the knot, and, with tliis end in view, it is suggested that it may be 
advisable for you to correspond with the officials of that association. 
♦ * * * * 

Very respectfully, 

DANIEL S. LA:M0NT, Secretary of War. 

The joint resolution of Congress, approved May 2, 1896, re- 
ferred to under the caption "Medal of Honor Ribbon and Bow- 
Knot," reads as follows: 

Joint Resolution relative to the Medal of Honor authorized by the 
Acts of July twelfth, eighteen hundred and sixty-two, and March third, 
eighteen hundred and sixty-three. 

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United 
States of America in Congress assembled. That the Secretary of War 
be, and he is hereby, authorized to issue to any person to whom a Medal 
of Honor has been awarded, or may hereafter be awarded, under the 
provisions of the .loint resolution approved July twelfth, eighteen hund- 
red and sixty-two, and the Act ai)proved March third, eighteen hundred 
:ind sixty-three, a rosette or knot to be worn in lieu of the Medal, and 
a ribbon to be worn with the Medal; said rosette or knot and ribbon to 
be each of a pattern to be prescribed and established by the Pi-esident 
of the United States, and any appropriation that may hereafter be 
available for the contingent expenses of the War Department are 
hereby made available for the purposes of this act: Provided, That 
whenever a ribbon issued under the provisions of this act shall havf* 
been lost, destroyed, or rendered unfit for use, without fault or neglect 
on the part of the person to whom it was issued, the Secretary of War 
shall cause a new ribbon to be issued to such person without charge 
therefor. 

Approved May 2, 1896. 

xA.nd for the Xavy a joint resolution, passed May 4, 1898, pro- 
vides as follows: 

That the Secretary of the Navy be. and he is hereby, authorized to 
issue to any person to whom a Medal of Honor has been awai'ded. or 
may hereafter be awarded, under the provisions of the acts approved 
December twenty-first, eighteen hundred and sixty-one. and July six- 
teenth, eighteen hundred and sixty-two. a rosette or knot to be worn in 
lieu of the Medal, and a ribbon to be worn with the Medal; said rosette 
or knot and ribbon to be each of a pattern to be prescribed and estab- 
lished by the President of the United States, etc. 

By an act approved March 3, 1901, it is provided: 

That any enlisted man of the Navy or Marine Corps who shall have 
distinguished himself in battle or displayed extraordinary heroism in the 
line of his profession shall, upon the recommendation of his command- 
ing officer, approved liy the flag-officer and the Secretary of the Navy, 
,.p(>eive a gratuity and Medal of Honor as provided for seamen in sec- 
tion fourteen hundred and seven of the Revised Statutes. 

The Annual Reports of the War Department for the fiscal 
rear ending June 30, 1902 (Vol. I, Report of the Secretary of 
War and Reports of Bureau Chiefs, under heading, "Report of 
the Chief of the Record and Pension Office," p. 735) states the 
following in regard to the subject: 

MEDALS OF HONOR. 

In the last annn.-il report of this office considerable space was given 
to the .subject of the issue of :\Iedals of Honor. It was shown in that 



19 



report that up to June 30, 1001. 2023 Coiii?ressioual Medals had been 
awarded to officers and enlisted men of the volunteer forces. Those 
awards were all on account of service rendered during the Civil War. 
During the last fiscal year fifty-eight applications were received for the 
award of Medals of Honor to survivors of the Civil War, but none of 
these applications were favoral)ly considered by the Secretary of War. 
Xo ai)]»li('a lions were received at this office during the same period in 
behalf of Spanish War volunteers and no awards were made. Twenty- 
one .Medals were awarded during the fiscal year to members of the 
volunteer organizations in service during the Philippine insurrection. 

A board of officers has recently been convened by the Acting Secre- 
tary of War to consider all applications for the aAvard of Medals of 
Honor. Under the orders of the Acting Secretary of War all such ap- 
plications in behalf of officers and enlisted men of the volunteer ser- 
vice ai-e received and recorded in the Record and Pension Office, where 
all necessary action is taken to prepare them for decision, and whence 
they are submitted to the Secretary of War after having received the 
indorsements and recommendations of the Medal of Honor Board. Af- 
ter the decision of the Secretary of War is made the further necessary 
action is taken by the Record and Pension Office. 

The circular of the War Department of March i6, 1903, reads 
as follows : 

[Circular.! 

^^'ar Department. 

Washington. March 16, 1903. 
* * * ♦ ♦ 

When an officer, noncommissioned officer, or ijriA ate in the military 
service of the T'nited States has most distinguished himself in action, 
a Medal of Honor can be awarded to him, regardless of whether he is 
in the military service or not, provided that an application or recom- 
mendation lor the award of the Medal to him was made while he was 
in the military service. 

A Medal of Honor cannot be awarded to a person not in the military 
service of the United States for most distinguished service formerly 
rendered by him as an officer, noncommissionetl officer, or private un- 
less an application or recommendation for the award of a Medal to him 
was made while he was in the mllitai'^' service. 

ESTIMATES OF API'ROPRIATIOXS REQUIRED FOR THE SER- 
VICE OF THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1905, 
BY THE WAR DEPARTMENT. 

War Department. 
Medals of Honor for distinguished services— 

For the manufacture of 3000 Medals of Honor, with emblem- 
atic devices ui)on the same or improved designs as hereto- 
fore existing, to replace such Medals as have already been 
issued under the joint resolution of Congress approved July 
12, 1S02. and Section 6 of the Act of Congress approved 
M.arcli 3, 1863. and for fntiu-e issue as provided for in said 
Act of Congress approved ^March 3, 1863, to be expended 
under such regulations as the Secretarv of War may direct 
(submitted) $12,00(J 

Note —The original Medal was hastily prepared and is defective in 
artistic design, finish and appropriateness. A modification of the Medal 
has been devised by which it has been made more distinctive in charac- 
ter and more consonant in design and finish with the dignity and honor 
attaching to the gallant service in action for which it is issued. It is 



composed of a light gun metal, which may very appropriately be cast 
from gims captured from the enemy if such be available. 

The cost of the moditied Medal will not be in excess of that of the 
original Medal. The new design has been submitted to the "Legion of 
the Medal of Honor" and has received the unanimous approval of its 
officers. It has likewise been submitted to the judgment of many other 
holders of the Medal not members of the Legion, and has been ap- 
proved without excei)tion. 

The following Act was passed by Congress, in accordance 
with the foregoing estimate: 

An Act making appropriation for the support of the Army for the fis- 
cal year ending June thirtieth, nineteen hundred and five, and for other 
purposes. 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of R)epresentatives of the 
United Stales of America in Congress assembled, That the following 
sums be, and they are hereby, appropriated out of any money in the 
Treasury not otlier\Aise appropriated, for the support of the Army for 
the J ear ending June thirtieth, nineteen hundred and five: 

* * * * •!< 

For three thousand Medals of Honor to be prepared, with suitable 
emblematic devices, upon the design of the Medal of Honor heretofore 
issued, or upon an improved design, together with appropriate rosettes 
or other insignia to l)e worn in lieu of the Medal, and to be presented 
by direction of the President, and in the namei of Congress, to such 
oftiters, noncommissioned officers, and privates as have most distin- 
guished, or may hereafter most distinguish, themselves by their gal- 
lantry in action, twelve thousand dollars: Provided, That the Secretary 
of War be. and he is hereby, authorized and directed to use so many 
of the ^Medals and rosettes or other insignia provided for by this Act 
as may be necessary to replace the Medals that have been issued under 
the joint resolution of Congress approved July twelfth, eighteen hund- 
red and sixty-two, and Section (> of the Act of Congress approved 
March third, eighteen hundred and sixty-three: And provided further. 
That whenever it shall ai)pear from official records in the War Depart- 
ment that any officer or enlisted man of the Army so distinguished 
himself in action as to entitle him to the award of the Congressional 
Medal of Honor under the provisions of the sixth Section of the Act of 
Congress approved March third, eighteen hund'reil and sixty-three, en- 
titled, "An Act making appropriations for the sundry civil expenses 
of the government for the year ending June thirtieth, eighteen hund- 
red and sixty-four, and for the year ending the thirtieth of June, eigh- 
teen hundred and sixty-three, and for other purposes." the fact that 
the ]»erson who so distinguished himself has since become separated 
from the military service, or that the award of the Medal to him was 
not specifically recommended or applied for while he was in the said 
service, shall not be held to prevent the award and presentation of the 
Medal to such person under the provisions of the law hereinbefore 

cited. 

♦ * ♦ * * 

Approved April 23, 1904. 

Joint Resolution authorizing the issue of duplicate Medals where the 
originals have been lost or destroyed. 

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representative of the United 
States of America in Congress assembled. That in any case where the 
President of the United States has heretofore, under any act or resolu- 
tion of Congress, caused anv Medal to be made and presented to any 
officer or person in the United States on account of distinguished or 
meritorious services, on a proper showing made by such person to the 



s.-itisfac'tion of the President that such Medal has been lost or destroyed 
thronsh no fault of the beneficiary, and that diligent search has been 
made therefor, the I'resident is hereby authorized to cause to be pre- 
pared and de]i\ered to such person a duplicate of such Medal, the cost 
of Avhich shall be paid out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise 
appropriated. Approved April 15, 19U4. 



The number of Medals of Honor issued by the Secretary of 
War, given by States and United States, to June 30, 1901, fol- 
lows: 

Regular army, 489; Connecticut, 24; Delaware, 7; Illinois, 90; 
Indiana, 44; Iowa, 28; Kansas, i; Kentucky, 5; Louisiana, 3: 
Maine (includes 27th Maine Inf.), 888; Maryland, 15; Massa- 
chusetts, 63; Michigan, 51; Minnesota, 15; Missouri, 29; Ne- 
braska, i; New Hampshire, 19; New Jersey, 29; New York, 236; 
Ohio, 127; Pennsylvania, 152; Rhode Island, 15; Tennessee, 2; 
Vermont, 42; Virginia, 6; West Virginia, 28; Wisconsin, 15; 
United States colored troops, zy. Veteran Reserve Corps, 30; 
United States Sharp Shooters, 3; general and staff officers of 
volunteers, 2y\ civilians, 13; United States Volunteers, i. Total, 



And given by grades as follows: 

Major generals, 3; brigadier generals, 9; colonels, 38; lieuten- 
ant colonels, 18; majors, 32; surgeons, 5; assistant surgeons, 9; 
captains, 109; lieutenants, 192; chaplains, 4; sergeant majors, 
20; hospital stewards, i; sergeants. 462; corporals, 300; privates. 
[237; musicians, 43; blacksmiths. 8; farriers, 8; saddlers, 4; 
wagoners, 10; scouts and guides, 11: qtiartermasters' employes, 
1; contract surgeons, i. Total, 2525. 

Of these there were issued to the Twenty-seventh Maine In- 
fantry, I colonel, I lieutenant colonel, i major, i surgeon. 2 as- 
sistant surgeons. 10 captains. 22 lieutenants, i chaplain, i ser- 
geant major. 52 sergeants. 79 corporals. 676 privates. 8 musi- 
cians and 9 wagoners. Total. 864. 




ARMY BOW KNOT. NAVY ROSETTE. 

To be worn in lieu of Medal. To be worn in lieu of Medal. 

Outside stripes. Red. Outside circles. Red. 

Middle stripes, Blue. Middle circles, Blue. 

Centre stripe White. Centre W^hite. 



INDEX. 

Application for admission 4, 5 

Adjutant, duties of 7 

Alger, R. A., Secretary of War, alluded to 18 

Aides-de-Camps. duties of 8 

Amendments to Constitution, how made 10 

Amendments to By-Laws, how made 13 

Bow-knot, or Rosette, only emblem of order to be habitually worn. . 9 

Pattern of. etc IS 

.Toint Resolution relating to issue of 19 

Constitution and By-I.aws. Report of Committee on and adoption 

Back of title page. 

Commander, Duties of (i 

Chaplain. Duties of 7 

Current Expense Fund. fr<Mn what source derived, etc 8 

Certificates of :\Ienibership. jnice of 8 

Companions, Original First Class, eligibility 3 

First Class in Succession, advanced 4 

First Class by Inheritance 4 

Second Class, son or daughter, etc 4 

Discharges, a Companion may be discharged, etc 5 

Dues, payable annually, in advance 8 

Companions in arrears for one year, etc 9 

Discussions, political ;ind religious, prohibited 10 

Debates. Companions shall not speak more than once 11 

Death of mendiers. duty of Companions 6 

Election of Companions, by Executive Committee 4 

Executive Committee, duties of 4, 5. 6, 7. 8. 9, 10 

Estimates of War Department, for 3000 Medals of Honor 20 

Eligibility for office, must be present, etc 11 

Fees, membership 8 

General Fund, how created 8 

Historian, duties of 8 

Inspector, duties of , 8 

Irwin. B. .J. D., received Medal for first act l(i 

•funior Vice Cf)mmander. duties of 

.Tudge Advocate, duties of 8 

Lamont. Daniel S., Secretary of War. mentioned 19 

Membership, Eligibility and Classification 3 

Meetings and Quorum 9 

Medal of Honor, to be worn on occasions of ceremony 9 

Second Class Medal to be worn same 10 

Award first suggested by Adjutant General Townsend 15 

First law passed in relation to (Navy) 15 

Number of awarded, given by States 22 

Number of awarded, given by grade 22 

Resolution relating to, approved .Tuly 12, 1862 15 

Act relating to. approved March 3, 1863 16 

Act relating to, approved April 23, 1904 21 

Joint Resolution, relating to, approved April 15, 1904 21 

First issued 16 

Regulations of Wai- Department, for award of 17 

Number awarded by Secretary of W^ar to .Tune .30. 1901 20 

To Avhom Medals mav and may not be awarded 19. 20 

Estimate of Secretary of War for .3000 of 20 

Note of Secretary of War. "defective and inartistic design." 

etc .' 20 

Metal Bar. with word "Inheritance." to be worn on ribbon 9 

Name of Order ^ 

Xomination of OfiBcers, shall be made without comment, etc 6 



23 



Objects of the Order •> 

Officers, election nnd duties of c, 

Order of Business 11 

Prea mble 3 

Principles of the Order H 

Parliamentary rules to govern, etc 11 

(Jnartermaster, duties of, compensation, etc 7 

Funds to be kept by S 

Quorum, twenty Companions shall constitute '.» 

Resignation, a Companion may resign, etc ."» 

Relief Fund ' S 

Ribbon. Joint Resolution relating to Army ; 1!> 

Joint Resolution relating to Navy lit 

How to be worn with Medal !» 

Pattern determined by President, etc 18 

Resolutions, shall be submitted in writing 11 

Reports, extracts from War Department, to June 8<». IIXII IC 

Extracts from War Department, to .lune ?,{>. 11102 11> 

Rosette (or bow-knot) Joint Resolution relating to Army Ribbon and 

Rosette " IS. lit 

Johit Resolution relating to Navy Ribbon and Rosette 11» 

Only emblem to be habitually Avorn 1) 

Special design for First Class in Succession and by Inberit- 

a nee, etc !> 

Surgeon, duties of 8 

Senior Vice Commander, duties of <! 

Scott. General, mentioned 1-' 

Townsend, Adjutant General E. D., mentioned ir> 

Tiffany & Co., mentioned IS 

Uniform, to be worn !• 

Walker. Dr. Mary, mentioned 1<"> 



24 




ORIGINAL PATTERN NAVY MEDAL OF HONOR 
FULL SIZE 




SECOND CLASS MEDAL 



H 19 89 ^ 







HECKMAN 

BINDERY INC. 

# DEC 88 
N. MANCHESTER, 
INDIANA 46962 







